Surplus stats: Food waste by the numbers

Here are eight numbers that put into perspective just how vast the issue of food waste is across the U.S. and the globe.

By Kristin Musulin • Sept. 11, 2017

3 experts, 3 methods: The debate over food waste processing

Composting, anaerobic digestion or wastewater treatment: which is the best processing method? Three industry leaders gave Waste Dive their takes.

By Cody Boteler • Sept. 11, 2017

Seattle businesses forgo plastic flatware, straws before ban takes effect

While the city is scheduled to require compostable or recyclable utensils and straws in July 2018, around 200 retailers have already voluntarily made the switch from plastic.

By Cody Boteler • Sept. 11, 2017

Triple Flare Recycling diverts 44% of waste from crews battling Oregon wildfire

As the Whitewater Fire burns in Willamette National Forest, the Oregon-based company is helping firefighters keep waste out of landfills and litter out of the forest.

By Cody Boteler • Sept. 6, 2017

Waste Management donates $3M to Harvey relief funds

CEO Jim Fish said taking care of area employees is "priority one," but the company is also focused on helping critical customers such as hospitals and shelters.  

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 30, 2017

Kenya outlaws plastic bags — and implements penalty of jail time

The ban, punishable with a maximum penalty of $38,000 or four years in prison, is being dubbed the world's strictest plastic bag regulation.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 29, 2017

For recycling mascots, education is not one-costume-fits-all

These cities and waste companies have made their unique mascots a part of their educational curriculums and communities.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 29, 2017

Carton Council announces second AI-driven carton recycling robot

This installation follows a March pilot program to test the robot at the Alpine Waste & Recycling materials recovery facility in Denver. 

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 29, 2017

Texas may face years of debris cleanup in wake of Hurricane Harvey

Texas-based companies like Waste Management and Texas Disposal Systems have turned to social media for customer care as they face the long path to recovery. 

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 28, 2017

Biogas producers urge EPA to reconsider RFS volume requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposed renewable fuel standard volume obligation for cellulosic biofuels in 2018 is down 23% from the 2017 level.

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 28, 2017

Aligning recycling goals to assist with climate objectives

Is our true objective to divert material away from the landfill, or is it about reducing cumulative environmental impact and ensuring we direct materials to their best use across the lifecycle?

By Kyla Fisher • Aug. 23, 2017

In Phoenix, voluntary commercial recycling is rewarded by the city

Phoenix has seen growing interest in its Green Business Leader certification program, but regulatory changes may still be needed.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 22, 2017

Colorado sets statewide diversion goals for the first time

A commission approved a 20-year timeline to more than double the Rocky Mountain state's 19% diversion rate.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 16, 2017

CalRecycle to focus on packaging and organics after another recycling rate dip

New 2016 data showed a 44% recycling rate and an increasing disposal rate, making a 75% goal by 2020 look out of reach.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 16, 2017

Report: Paving roads with cigarette butts could reduce waste, thermal conductivity

RMIT researchers found that mixing the immense amount of global cigarette litter with asphalt could help reduce the "urban heat island" effect in cities.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 15, 2017

London mayor releases environmental strategy with 'zero waste' goal by 2026

The city's draft plan mirrors others before it: reduce food waste, expand recycling access and organize commercial collections.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 14, 2017

Ontario considers banning food waste from MSW by 2022

About one-third of Ontario's waste in 2014 was made up of food waste, according to a provincial discussion paper.

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 14, 2017

Can Congress cut food waste? It depends on the success of this bill

A recently introduced food recovery bill would target anaerobic digestion, date labeling and surplus food donations. Some industry leaders, however, are skeptical.

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 14, 2017

Portland, OR rules out WTE as Waste Management contract expiration looms

Metro's long-time contract with Waste Management expires in 2019, leaving the regional government to find new options for waste disposal.

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 10, 2017

New California law aims to reduce red tape around state sustainability mandates

Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1572 into law last week, a bill which was supported by CalRecycle and many large cities.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 10, 2017

The 3 Cs of sustainable packaging: Compliance, commitment and collaboration

With a third of consumers choosing brands based on social and environmental goals, top CPG companies are rethinking their sustainability efforts.

By Pierre-François Thaler • Aug. 9, 2017

Goodbye 'Filthadelphia': Philly sets realistic benchmarks for reaching 'zero waste'

Waste Dive spoke to Nic Esposito, Philadelphia's zero waste and litter director, about the city's action plan to reach a 2035 diversion goal. 

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 8, 2017

UPDATE: Austin, TX set to expand curbside composting to 38,000 more homes

As a part of a goal to have curbside organics collection for the entire city by 2020, an additional 38,000 homes in the city will start receiving curbside collection in October

By Cole Rosengren , Cody Boteler • Aug. 3, 2017

Recycling dirty aluminum foil might not be practical — but it could be used to make biofuel

Through a chemical process, used foil can be transformed into a catalyst that's critical in synthesizing dimethyl ether — a biofuel that could replace diesel.

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 2, 2017

Study: Anaerobic digestion could reduce microplastics in sludge

Anaerobic digestion, more than other processing methods, may be the best way to remove microplastics from wastewater sludge.

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 1, 2017